Postspace pretreatment with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 7% maleic acid, and 1% phytic acid on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Context: Pretreatment of radicular dentin with chelating agents improves the bond strength of fiber-posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the three chelating agents as final rinse of the postspace on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Settings And Design: This is an laboratory study.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five mandibular premolars were prepared using MTwo rotary system and irrigation was done with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Three groups of teeth samples were considered for postspace preparation and irrigated with different solutions: Group 1: 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); Group 2: 7% Maleic acid; Group 3: 1% Phytic acid. This was followed by the luting the posts with RelyX U200. After a week, from each sample, 2 mm thick slices were obtained from each third of the root and subjected to push-out bond strength testing.

Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's analysis was used for assessing the results. The statistical significance level was set at < 0.05.

Results: Bond strength values were improved with maleic acid and phytic acid pretreatment with slight or no significant difference between these groups. A final rinse of postspace with EDTA significantly reduced the bond strength.

Conclusions: Maleic acid (7%) pretreatment of postspace improved the adhesion of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.